Textile component with embroidered emblem

ABSTRACT

A textile component may include a knitted component with a first knit layer, a second knit layer, and a pocket, where the pocket is located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. A spacing element may be included, where the spacing element is located within the pocket. An embroidered element on an exterior surface of the first knit layer may be included, where the embroidered element extends through the first knit layer but does not extend through the second knit layer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/716,715, filed Aug. 9, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A variety of articles are formed from textiles. As examples, articles ofapparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and otherouterwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear),containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g.,chairs, couches, car seats) are often at least partially formed fromtextiles. These textiles are often formed by weaving or interlooping(e.g., knitting) a yarn or a plurality of yarns, usually through amechanical process involving looms or knitting machines.

In some applications, the textile may be embroidered with at least oneembroidery element, such as a strand, thread, yarn, or the like (hereinreferred to as a “strand” when referring to an embroidered element). Theembroidery process may be accomplished on a mechanical device called anembroidery machine. Typically, an embroidery machine includes a needlefor mechanically manipulating the strand through the base layer of thetextile. Usually, the embroidery process occurs after the base layer ofthe textile is formed, and the embroidery machine is typically separatefrom the machine used to form the base textile layer (e.g., a knittingmachine or a weaving loom). Thus, the embroidery, when incorporated intoa knitted component, includes strands that are separate from those usedin the knitting process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and description. The components in the figures arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thefigures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a perspective view of a textilecomponent with an embroidery pattern in a cushioning area in accordancewith certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a cross-section view of the textilecomponent along the cut line shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a perspective view of an article offootwear having a textile component with an embroidery pattern in acushioning area in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings inwhich like elements generally are identified by like numerals. Therelationship and functioning of the various elements of the aspects maybetter be understood by reference to the following detailed description.However, aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings orexplicitly described below. It also should be understood that thedrawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances detailsmay have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding ofaspects disclosed herein, such as conventional fabrication and assembly.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to uppers configuredfor use in an article of footwear and/or other articles, such asarticles of apparel. When referring to articles of footwear, thedisclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, biking shoes,cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes andboots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, and/orwalking shoes, as well as footwear styles generally considerednon-athletic, including but not limited to dress shoes, loafers, andsandals.

One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a textilecomponent, including: a knitted component having a first knit layer, asecond knit layer, and a pocket, where the pocket is located between thefirst knit layer and the second knit layer; a spacing element locatedwithin the pocket; and an embroidered element on an exterior surface ofthe first knit layer that extends through the first knit layer but doesnot extend through the second knit layer.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a textilecomponent, including: a knitted component having a first area with afirst knit layer and a second knit layer, and a single-layer boundaryarea including a fused structure, where the boundary area at leastpartially surrounds the first area; and an embroidered element thatextends through the first knit layer in the first area.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a method,including: knitting a knitted component having a first knit layer and asecond knit layer to form a pocket; embroidering an emblem through anexternal surface of the first knit layer; and including a spacingelement within the pocket.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a textile component 10 suitable for a number ofapplications, e.g., footwear, apparel, and industrial textiles, isshown. The textile component 10 includes a knitted component 12, aspacing element 20 (which in some embodiments may be a portion of theknitted component 12 as described below), and an embroidered element 22.

The knitted component 12 may be formed as an integral one-piece elementfrom a single knitting process, such as a weft knitting process (e.g.,with a flat knitting machine with one, two, or more needle beds, or witha circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any othersuitable knitting process. As used in this application, a yarn mayinclude a strand, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure tomultifilament materials. The process that forms the knitted component 12may substantially form the knit structure of the knitted component 12without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps.Alternatively, two or more portions of the knitted component 12 may beformed separately as distinct integral one-piece elements, and then therespective elements may be attached.

The knitted component 12 may incorporate various types of yarn thatimpart different properties to separate areas of the knitted component12. That is, one area of the knitted component 12 may be formed from afirst type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and anotherarea of the knitted component 12 may be formed from a second type ofyarn that imparts a second set of properties. In this configuration,properties may vary throughout the knitted component 12 by selectingspecific yarns for different areas of the knitted component 12. Theproperties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of theknitted component 12 partially depend upon the materials that form thevarious filaments and fibers within the yarn. Cotton, for example,provides a soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. Elastaneand stretch polyester each provide substantial stretch and recovery,with stretch polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides highluster and moisture absorption. Wool also provides high moistureabsorption, in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability.Nylon is a durable and abrasion-resistant material with relatively highstrength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also providesrelatively high durability. In addition to materials, other aspects ofthe yarns selected for the knitted component 12 may affect theproperties of the knitted component 12. For example, a yarn forming theknitted component 12 may be a monofilament yarn or a multifilament yarn.The yarn may also include separate filaments that are each formed ofdifferent materials. In addition, the yarn may include filaments thatare each formed of two or more different materials, such as abicomponent yarn with filaments having a sheath-core configuration ortwo halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twist andcrimping, as well as different deniers, may also affect the propertiesof the knitted component 12. Accordingly, both the materials forming theyarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a varietyof properties to separate areas of the knitted component 12.

The knitted component 12 may include at least a first knit layer 14 anda second knit layer 16. The first knit layer 14 and the second knitlayer 16 may be formed on one or more needle beds of a knitting machine,e.g., a first needle bed and/or a second needle bed. At least a portionof the first knit layer 14 may be freely separable from the second knitlayer 16 such that a space or pocket 18 is formed therebetween. In otherwords, the first knit layer 14 and the second knit layer 16 may eachhave two opposite facing surfaces, and the first knit layer 14 may befreely separable and/or movable relative to the second knit layer 16.Further, an external surface of the first knit layer 14 may generallyface a first direction, and an external surface of the second knit layer16 may generally face the opposite direction, and internal surfaces ofthe first knit layer 14 and the second knit layer 16 may generally faceeach other. Although the first knit layer 14 may be freely separablefrom the second knit layer 16 in certain areas, it does not need to befreely separable everywhere. For example, the knitted component 12 mayinclude one or more interlayer knit stitches (e.g., stitches formedduring the same knitting process and extending between a first needlebed and a second needle bed). Such interlayer knit stitches may beformed by the same yarn(s) that forms the first and/or second knitlayers 14 and 16, or a different yarn. The portions of the first knitlayer 14 and the second knit layers 16 that are freely separable fromeach other may form an unsecured area 24 where a space or pocket 18 islocated between the first knit layer 14 and the second knit layer 16.Portions of the knitted component 12 that do not include separablelayers (e.g., where only one layer is included, and/or where multiplelayers are included but secured together without a pocket therebetween)may form a secured area 26 (which may herein be referred to as a “baseportion” of the knitted component 12). In various non-limitingapplications, the first knit layer 14 or the second knit layer 16 maycorrespond with at least part of an outer or inner layer of an articleof apparel or industrial textile, an exterior or interior layer of anupper for an article of footwear, or a layer of another application.

The first knit layer 14 and/or the second knit layer 16 may include oneor more materials selected to impart advantageous properties to theknitted component 12. For example, the first knit layer 14 mayeventually correspond with an exterior layer of an article of footwear,such as when the article has been assembled and is configured toaccommodate the foot of a wearer, and therefore may include courses of arelatively inelastic first yarn providing abrasion resistance, waterresistance and/or durability. Suitable materials for the first knitlayer 14 may include polyester yarns, e.g., polyester yarns having amaximum tensile strength of at least approximately 0.5 kg-f (e.g.,ranging from approximately 0.5 kg-f to approximately 3.0 kg-f) and alinear density of at least approximately 150 denier (e.g., ranging fromapproximately 150 to approximately 1,500 denier). The first knit layer14 may also be weatherized, e.g., it may be formed from yarns havingwater repellant and or resistant properties or it may have a durablewater repellent finish.

The second knit layer 16 may eventually correspond with an interiorlayer of an article of footwear, such as when the article has beenassembled and is configured to accommodate the foot of a wearer, andtherefore, the second knit layer 16 may include one or more courses ofyarn having comfort-related characteristics (e.g., softness), forexample a yarn having a napped finish or otherwise provide breathabilityand comfort to the wearer. Additionally or alternatively, the secondknit layer 16 may include one or more elasticized yarns to giveresiliency to the knitted component 12. The examples are non-limitingand are intended to illustrate the versatility of the first and secondknit layers 14 and 16 which may be formed from the same yarn(s) ordifferent yarns or a combination thereof to provide advantageousproperties to the respective layers, and/or different portions, areas orregions of the respective layers, as necessary or desired.

The space 18 between the first knit layer 14 and the second knit layer16 may receive a spacing element 20, e.g., to enhance strength, providecushioning protection, generate desired structures for different areasof the knitted component 12, or for other advantages. The spacingelement 20 may include cushioning components, and by incorporating thecushioning components within the space 18, the unsecured area 24 of theknitted component 12 is turned into a cushioning area 30 and the securedarea 26 surrounding the cushioning area 30 is turned into a fused and/ordepressed boundary area 28 (as described in more detail below). In someembodiments, the spacing element 20 may include conventional cushioningcomponents that are inserted into the space 18 within the previouslyformed knitted component 12. Particular, non-limiting examples ofcushioning components may include insert elements composed of foammaterials, fluid-filled bladders, or other cushioning elements usedsingularly or in combination with other elements. By varying thematerials and configurations of the cushioning components inserted intothe space 18, the dimension, shape, and degree of cushioning of thecushioning area 30 may be varied accordingly.

In other embodiments, the spacing element 20 may include one or morecushioning yarns (e.g., yarns formed of compactible or other materialsthat provide cushioning and/or protection) that are inlaid within one ormore courses of the knitted component 12. Thus, the spacing element 20may be incorporated into the knitted component 12 while the first knitlayer 14 and the second knit layer 16 are formed (e.g., without the needfor inserting a separate cushioning component into the knitted component12 after knitting processes). The inlaid cushioning yarn(s) locatedbetween the first and second knit layers 14 and 16 in the cushioningarea 30 may also pass through courses of the knitted component 12 in thesecured area 26. In the unsecured area 24, the cushioning yarn(s) may besubstantially free to expand to, or remain in, a lofted or expandedstate such that a maximum diameter may be reached. For example, as shownin FIG. 2 , in the tubular structure of the unsecured area 24, inlaidsegments of the cushioning yarn(s) have the freedom to extend radiallyoutward to reach their respective maximum diameters. This may push thefirst and second knit layers 14 and 16 radially outward to form a“pillow-like” cushion, and the interior space or pocket 18 between thefirst and second knit layers 14 and 16 may be filled with the materialof the cushioning yarn(s). In contrast, the portions of the cushioningyarn(s) that are located in the secured area 26 may remain in arelatively restricted or compressed state such that the maximum diameterof the cushioning yarn(s) is not reached, and thus the cushioningyarn(s) may not be noticeable. The degree of restriction/compression maybe varied by varying the stitch density of the knitted component 12, byvarying the elasticity of the yarns forming the knitted component 12,etc. In some embodiments, the portions of the cushioning yarn(s) locatedwithin the unsecured area 24 are free to expand into a first diameterwithin the interior volume or space 18 formed between the first andsecond knit layers 14 and 16, while the portions of the cushioningyarn(s) located within the secured area 26 are restricted by the knittedcomponent 12 to a smaller second diameter. In this manner, the unsecuredarea 24 may protrude from the secured area 26 that are adjacent to or atleast partially surrounding the unsecured area 24 in a visible manner.Similar (or identical) cushioning yarn(s) that form cushioning areas aredepicted and described in U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No.16/383,275, filed Apr. 12, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The embroidered element 22 may be stitched on the first knit layer 14 ofthe knitted component 12 such that it is visible on an exterior surfaceof the first knit layer 14, thereby forming one or more embroiderypatterns 32 (which may be an emblem) in selected locations of theknitted component 12. The embroidered element 22 may include a strand,thread, yarn, or the like. Materials of the embroidered element 22 mayinclude cotton, man-made, polyester, cotton-wrapped polyester, linen,filament polyester, silk, and the like. The embroidery process may beaccomplished on a mechanical device called an embroidery machine (orsewing machine), or it may be accomplished by hand. Typically, anembroidery machine includes a needle for mechanically manipulating theembroidered element 22 through a layer, such as the first knit layer 14,of the knitted component 12. Usually, the embroidery process occursafter the knitted component 12 is formed, and the embroidery machine istypically separate from the machine used to form the knitted component12 (e.g., a knitting machine). The one or more embroidery patterns 32may include an emblem, which may include a logo, text, another graphicor image, or the like.

The embroidery patterns 32 may have a plurality of appearances made froma plurality of different embroidered elements 22. For example, in thedepicted embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 , the embroidery pattern 32 is afootball, but any other image may be formed (e.g., lettering in acompany or product name, etc.). It will be appreciated that theappearance of the embroidery pattern 32 may be varied by varying thesize of the embroidered elements 22 used, the type of the embroideredelements 22 used (including the material and color used), the number ofthe embroidered elements 22 used, the density of the embroideredelements 22 used (e.g., the number of strands per unit length in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strands), thestate of the materials of the embroidered elements 22 used (for example,when the same embroidered strands are heat-processed differently), thevisual or mechanical properties of the embroidered elements 22 used, orthe like.

The textile component 10, which includes the knitted component 12 andthe non-knit embroidery pattern 32, provides a variety of advantages.For example, forming embroidering patterns on the knitted component 12after the knitted component 12 is formed is not limited by themanufacturing process, and thus may enhance the appearance (e.g.,including various colors) of patterns relative to other methods offorming an image, and may provide the ability to use enhanced materials(e.g., for better durability). For example, embroidery patterns 32 mayadditionally or alternatively be configured to exhibit other selectedproperties, such as a desirable degree of stretchability, flexibility,durability, breathability, weight (as compared to a knit layer),permeability, water-resistance, water repellence, or any other property.Additionally or alternatively, by embroidering patterns on the knittedcomponent, waste may be decreased, recyclability may be simplified,manufacturing efficiency may be increased, and manufacturing costs maybe reduced.

The embroidered element 22 may be stitched on the first knit layer 14within the cushioning area 30 of the knitted component 12 such that theembroidery pattern 32 is spaced from the second knit layer 16 by thespacing element 20. In some embodiments, the configuration (e.g., theshape) of the cushioning area 30 may be substantially the same as theconfiguration of the embroidery pattern 32 formed thereon, and/or mayoutline the major features of the embroidery pattern 32. In someembodiments, the cushioning area 30 and the embroidery pattern 32 sharerespective edges. In other embodiments, the cushioning area 30 and theembroidery pattern 32 may have substantially the same shape while thecushioning area 30 has larger overall dimensions than the embroiderypattern 32 (or vice versa if it is desired for the embroidery pattern 32to extend beyond the cushioning area 30). The boundary area 28surrounding the cushioning area 30 also surrounds the embroidery pattern32 in the cushioning area 30.

The cushioning area 30 may protrude from the boundary area 28, which maybe a single-layer depressed and/or fused area relative to the unsecuredarea 24. This may be advantageous for imparting a three-dimensionalvisual effect to the embroidery pattern 32 and its background cushioningarea 30, thus enhancing the visual prominence of the embroidery pattern32. The three-dimensional visual effect of the embroidery pattern 32 maybe varied by varying the degree of cushioning in the cushioning area 30,which may correspond to the degree of elevation of the cushioning area30 (and embroidery pattern 32) relative to its surroundings.

When incorporated into an article of footwear, separating the embroiderypattern 32 from the void (and thus the wearer's foot) by the spacingelement 20 may enhance the comfort of the article of footwear since theembroidery pattern 32 (which may be rigid and/or abrasive in someembodiments) will be separated from the void. In addition, whenincorporated into an article of footwear, this configuration also allowsthe embroidery pattern 32 to be located in various portions of thearticle of footwear. Conventionally, it may be desirable to position theembroidery pattern 32 away from high stress points of the article offootwear to avoid stressing the embroidered elements 22 due to therepeated bending of the wearer's foot. By stitching the embroiderypattern 32 on the first knit layer 14 within the cushioning area 30, thecompressibility provided by the spacing element 20 located between theembroidery pattern 32 and the second knit layer 16 may improve thestrength of the embroidery pattern 32 (and/or reduce its degree of wearover time), and may impart a desirable degree of stretch-resistanceand/or cushioning protection to the embroidery pattern 32, therebyallowing the embroidery pattern 32 to be incorporated into high stressregions of the article of footwear. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 ,the embroidery pattern 32 may be located in a heel region of thefootwear. It will be appreciated that FIG. 3 is representative, and theembroidery pattern 32 may be located in other locations throughout thearticle of footwear. Similarly, when a similar embroidery pattern 32 andcushioning area 30 are used in an article of apparel or other article,the above-descried configuration may increase the comfort and enhancethe mechanical properties of the article of apparel or other article.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the knitted component 12 maybe formed from thermoset polymeric materials and natural fibers, such ascotton, silk, wool, or a thermoplastic polymer material with arelatively high melting point, such as a polyester. In some aspects, themelting point or decomposition temperature of at least a portion of ayarn (or other element) used to form the knitted component 12 is greaterthan about 140° C., based on one atmosphere pressure, such as greaterthan about 200° C., and such as greater than 250° C. or higher incertain embodiments.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the knittedcomponent 12 may include one or more materials with properties thatchange in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature, moisture,electrical current, magnetic field, or light). For example, the knittedcomponent 12 may include yarns formed of one or more thermoplasticpolymer materials (including material composites) that transition from asolid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to certaintemperatures at or above the melting point and then transitions back toa solid state when cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material(s) mayprovide the ability to heat and then cool a portion of the knittedmaterial to thereby form an area of bonded or continuous material(herein referred to as a “fused area”) that exhibits certainadvantageous properties including a relatively high degree of rigidity,strength, and water resistance, for example. Non-limiting examples ofthermoplastic polymer materials are polyurethanes, polyamides,polyolefins, and/or certain nylons. For example, a melting point of athermoplastic polymer material included in the knitted component 12 maybe less than about 200° C., such as less than about 140° C. (e.g., 120°C., which may be optimal (or particularly suitable) for post-knit heatprocessing). In some embodiments, the embroidered strands of theembroidery pattern 32 may include a thermoplastic polymer material thatmay be fused after the embroidery process, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/591,686, filed May 10, 2017, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the boundary area 28 that surrounds the cushioningarea 30 may be at least partially fused such that the spacing element 20located within the cushioning area 30 and the embroidery pattern 32 aresecured in a desired place. The fused boundary area 28 may be formed byheat-processing thermoplastic polymer materials (which may be includedvia knitted yarns) around the perimeter of the cushioning area 30. Forexample, a heat press or plate that has the shape of the boundary area28 may be used, which may be particularly advantageous because it maydepress the boundary area 28 relative to other portions of the knittedcomponent 12. The geometry of the outline of the fused boundary area 28may be the same as, similar to, or different than the geometry of theoutline of the embroidery pattern 32. In some embodiments, the geometryof the outline of the fused boundary area 28 may be substantially thesame as the geometry of the outline of the embroidery pattern 32 whilethe outline of the fused boundary area 28 may have larger overalldimensions than the embroidery pattern 32. In some embodiments, thefused boundary area 28 may have a smoother outline than the embroiderypattern 32.

In general, comparing to unfused areas, fused areas (e.g., the boundaryarea 28) may have greater stretch-resistance, stability, support,abrasion-resistance, durability, and stiffness, for example.Advantageously, when the textile is incorporated into an article offootwear, these benefits may be achieved without significantlyinhibiting the air-permeability of the textile or increasing the weightof the footwear. In some embodiments, the fused boundary area 28 mayincrease the stiffness of the edges of the cushioning area 30 and theembroidery pattern 32, thereby ensuring that the edges of the cushioningarea 30 and the embroidery pattern 32 are uniformly drawn toward eachother. The fused boundary area 28 may also help define the embroiderypattern 32, create an attractive appearance of the embroidery pattern32, and prevent unraveling of the embroidered element 22 that forms theembroidery pattern 32. The stretch-resistance, stiffness, stability,support, abrasion-resistance, and durability provided by the fusedboundary area 28 to the edges of the embroidery pattern 32 may beimparted through an alternate procedure, such as by incorporatingadditional elements surrounding the embroidery pattern 32. Although theadditional elements may impart the required properties to the embroiderypattern 32, the additional elements would also increase the expense ofmanufacturing the textile component 10 and add weight to the textilecomponent 10. In contrast, the fused boundary area 28 beneficiallyutilize the preexisting textile component 10 to impart the desiredproperties without utilizing additional elements or increasing theweight. Furthermore, the additional elements are generally formed ofmaterials that are not air-permeable, thereby limiting the overallair-permeability of the textile component 10. The fused boundary area 28may retain a substantial portion of the air-permeability of theremainder of the textile component 10.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described,the present disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of theattached claims and their equivalents. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made tothe embodiments described above without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, theadvantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages ofthe present disclosure and it is not necessarily expected that everyembodiment of the present disclosure will achieve all of the advantagesdescribed.

We claim:
 1. A textile component, comprising: a knitted component, theknitted component comprising: a first knit layer; a second knit layer; apocket, wherein the pocket is located between the first knit layer andthe second knit layer; a spacing element located within the pocket; anembroidered element on an exterior surface of the first knit layer thatextends through the first knit layer but does not extend through thesecond knit layer; and a boundary area at least partially surroundingthe embroidered element, wherein the boundary area comprises a fusedstructure comprising a fused thermoplastic polymer material.
 2. Thetextile component of claim 1, wherein the spacing element is formed byat least one yarn of the knitted component extending between the firstknit layer and the second knit layer.
 3. The textile component of claim1, wherein the spacing element includes an insert element that isseparate from the knitted component.
 4. The textile component of claim1, further comprising a cushioning area, wherein an emblem formed by theembroidered element is located within the cushioning area.
 5. Thetextile component of claim 1, wherein the embroidered element includesat least one embroidered strand that is different from yarns forming thefirst knit layer and the second knit layer of the knitted component. 6.The textile component of claim 1, wherein the fused structure of theboundary area includes a depression on the exterior surface of theknitted component.
 7. The textile component of claim 4, wherein thecushioning area and the embroidered element are coextensive.
 8. Thetextile component of claim 4, wherein the cushioning area is elevatedrelative to a base portion of the knitted component.
 9. A textilecomponent, comprising: a knitted component, the knitted componentcomprising: a first area with a first knit layer and a second knitlayer; and a single-layer boundary area comprising a fused structure,wherein the boundary area at least partially surrounds the first area;and an embroidered element that extends through the first knit layer inthe first area.
 10. The textile component of claim 9, further comprisinga spacing element located between the embroidered element and the secondknit layer in the first area.
 11. The textile component of claim 9,further comprising an elevated cushioning area surrounded by theboundary area, wherein the embroidered element is located within thecushioning area.
 12. The textile component of claim 9, wherein theembroidered element comprises at least one embroidered strand that isdifferent from yarns forming the first knit layer and the second knitlayer of the knitted component.
 13. The textile component of claim 10,wherein the spacing element is formed by at least one inlaid yarn of theknitted component extending between the first knit layer and the secondknit layer.
 14. The textile component of claim 10, wherein the spacingelement includes an insert element that is separate from the knittedcomponent.
 15. The textile component of claim 11, wherein the cushioningarea and the embroidered element are coextensive.
 16. A method,comprising: knitting a knitted component having a first knit layer and asecond knit layer to form a pocket; embroidering an emblem through anexternal surface of the first knit layer; including a spacing elementwithin the pocket; and knitting a fusible boundary area at leastpartially surrounding the emblem, heating the knitted component and thencooling the knitted component to form a fused boundary area.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the spacing element comprises at least oneinlaid yarn of the knitted component.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the fused structure of the boundary area includes a depressionon the exterior surface of the knitted component.